News

Originally published in the Times Daily.

The Nashville-based company recently completed a 250,000-square-foot expansion and is planning to add about 250 jobs.

IHP is consolidating its location in Union City, Tennessee, to streamline production at its Russellville plant.

“We build to order and in five days can get a product built and get it ready to be shipped,” said Sam Scarbrough, plant manager. “We have just-in-time manufacturing, and do everything from purchasing to building and ordering components here.”

The company makes everything from gas log inserts to full fireplace box inserts and components. It has more than 500 different models, according to Mike Davis, production manager.

IHP can currently build up to 200 fireplaces and 200 gas logs per day. According to Scarbrough, the company hopes to be building up to 825 fireplaces once operating at full speed.

“The demand has gone up tremendously,” said Scarbrough. “We’re hoping the housing market improves and that demand will continue to grow.”

With the addition, the plant off Lawrence Street will consist of about 350,000 square feet.

It makes gas log inserts that can be used for natural or propane gas.

The plant started in Russellville in 2004 with about 35 employees.

According to company officials, it hopes to have up to 300 employees by year’s end. That means an addition of about 250 employees.

The company bought the land from Mike Madden, who said it was an investment in Russellville. Madden said the company has about seven acres under one roof.

“They have made a long-term obligation to Russellville,” Madden said. “They plan to be here for years.”

Scarbrough said it was an easy decision to expand in Russellville.

“They put together a good local team, all the way to the governor,” he said. “We’re proud to be able to make this expansion.”

The company receives parts from around the world, but also makes many of the components needed for the fireplaces.

This includes molding the gas logs to look like real pieces of wood. Each gas log is hand-painted.

Moving through the plant, the foundations that hold the logs can be seen in production. Each unit is fired up and tested before being shipped.

The company also makes stainless steel fireplaces for outdoor decks, another growing trend.

“People used to just have fireplaces in their living rooms, but now they have them all over their house,” Scarbrough said. “Now, they have them in bedrooms and even on back porch decks. It’s all the home and garden shows that’s helping build demand.”

IHP uses a just-in-time manufacturing system and has a visual display board with cards showing what parts are on hand and what parts may be in short supply.

The city is widening Lawrence Street to make way for the new employees.

Mayor David Grissom said the expansion is a blessing for the city.

“Creating jobs is what it’s all about,” Grissom said. “It’s a huge expansion and everyone will benefit.

“The employees will be buying gas here, shopping here and eating at our restaurants. It’s huge for the local economy and we appreciate the investment the company has made to Russellville.”